Classification of key queries is what I encounter every day in the process of working on SEO. Each project requires a precise approach to the selection of keywords, because it is the basis of any successful strategy. I constantly analyze and classify queries to better understand how users search for information and how to optimize content.
1. By frequency
When I work with keywords, the first thing I do is determine their frequency.
High-frequency queries (HF)
These queries are often found in search engines, and although they can bring a lot of traffic, their use requires a lot of work. For example, the query shoes or smartphone is so broad that the competition for them is high. I use such queries to attract a wide audience, but I do not expect a high conversion from them.
Medium-frequency queries (MF)
When I want to clarify the needs of the audience, I pay attention to medium-frequency queries. These are already more accurate phrases like running shoes or smartphone for photos. These queries help attract a target audience with a higher probability of purchase.
Low-frequency queries (LF)
I work with low-frequency queries when I want to narrow the focus to specific details. For example, running shoes in Kyiv is a query that attracts interested users ready to make a purchase. I like such queries for their high conversion, although the traffic on them is small.
2. By user intent
Here I pay attention to what exactly the user is looking for.
Navigational queries
Users who already know where they want to go enter queries like Facebook or YouTube. This makes it easier for them to find a specific site, and such queries are not so interesting in terms of attracting a new audience.
Informational queries
These queries often start with how, what, why. For example, how to choose a smartphone or what is SEO. I use such queries to create useful content that helps people solve their problems and attract their attention to my site.
Transactional queries
These are queries that lead to the purchase or ordering of a service. For example, buy a smartphone or order SEO promotion. When I see such queries, I know that the user is ready to take action, and I try to make pages with such keys as convenient as possible for conversion.
3. By geographic binding (geo-targeting)
For local businesses, I often use geo-queries to attract users from a specific region.
Geo-dependent queries
These are queries that include a geographic name, for example, restaurant in Odessa or pizza delivery Kyiv. When I promote a local business, such queries help me attract users who are looking for services near them.
Geo-independent queries
Queries not tied to a specific location, for example, how to make pizza. Such queries can be used to attract a wide audience regardless of their location.
4. By user awareness
Sometimes I analyze how aware the user is about his problem or solution.
Requests with awareness of the problem
When the user realizes the problem, but does not know how to solve it, he enters requests like why the phone does not turn on. This is a great opportunity to offer solutions in the form of articles, video lessons or guides.
Requests with decision awareness
When people know what they need, they enter more specific requests. For example, the best antivirus for Windows. In such cases, I create pages that will help them find the right product or service.
5. Classification of key queries by query length
Short requests (Short-tail)
I use short requests, such as football or phone, to increase coverage. But due to high competition and general focus, they rarely lead to conversion.
Long requests (Long-tail)
Long requests are what I like for their accuracy. How to choose a phone for photos is a request that will bring a more interested audience ready to buy.
Classification of key queries is an integral part of my work. When I understand what exactly users are looking for and at what stage of decision-making they are, I can better set up an SEO campaign. Proper use of different types of key queries helps me attract targeted traffic, improve conversion and succeed in website promotion.
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